LilyBean's Paperie

red is my color...

My mom is the sweetest, one of my Valentines, as I have many.  I am a simple girl and simple things make me happy, such as a glossy red, Coca-Cola.  Today as I ventured into town to the Post Office, there was a package from my sweet mama containing a big, beautiful bag of Valentine M&M's.  You see, we don't get luxuries like these around here...we have to travel long and far for them, so you can imagine my excitement.  She's adorable and always so thoughtful.  Thanks Mom.  They look so pretty with my Coke.

Today's card uses the colors of the season...reds, creams, and pinks.   I used Papertrey Ink's Knit Bits, Fancy Flourishes, and With All My Heart stamp sets.  

I also used the Tremendous Tags die collection.  

Basic Grey True Love chipboard and die cuts, Jenni Bowlin, and Cosmo Cricket paper were also used here today.

Hope you had a great Monday!

Melis

simple pie...

A simple something today, because sometimes I just feel like it.

Oh, and because I think the sentiment is the cutest, sweetest thing ever.

Everything from the Basic Grey True Love collection here except for the Baker's Twine which is from Craft Spot.

I've been trying to snap photos of random, daily occurrences more often...things that make me smile, things that make life what it is.  Toys scattered, piles of favorite books, picnic parties with her dolls, her beloved stuffed animal, finding my scrapbook supplies used as kitchen must-haves for Blythe (notice the Jenni Bowlin Tart Tin above), little traces here and there of what makes my life so complete right now.  I love finding signs of my little one as I go about my daily routine, as with each stage of her life, these signs change and won't happen this way again, and so holding onto them with photos will help me hold onto them as memories.  

I love that she loves to read.  Her favorite store to pick out a treat at when we go to the "big city" is Barnes & Noble for a new book.  

Her bitty glasses which are so much a part of her right now. 

And, Daisy...the two of them have been inseparable since she was 4 years old.  She sleeps with her, travels with her, tells Daisy her secrets, feeds her, teaches her how to read, you name it :).

And, the little things like insisting that she put 38 candles on my cake this year, they barely all fit :) I just wanted the cake and was happy to forget about the 38 candles, but candles are oh, so important to a 9-year old.  Life through her eyes is sweet.  I'm so glad she exists.

One photo I wish I had taken was of finding her in her closet today, in the dark, on the floor, with her head under a blanket, crying.  She was forlorn and distraught...and it was all my fault.  I told her it was homework time, and today, the world came crashing down.  My heart melted at the sight, and all of the sudden 9-years old didn't seem as old as it sometimes does.  I crawled in with her, sat down, and we had a nice little chat, and then it was time for homework.

 

Happy Sunday.

Melis

be mine forever...

Hello, rainy, drizzly, foggy, glorious Friday!  My husband opened the blinds this morning and said, "It's your favorite kind of day today!"  Yep...it's beautiful.  

I've got my little sidekick home with me today as she only has 4 day school weeks, but she keeps herself busy with a Craft Club she's started with some of her little friends.  For a few months now, each Friday they come over and they get crafty, from putting on plays, decorating cupcakes, creating collages, making cards, playing with washi tape :), and today, making sack puppets.  I love it and so enjoy her creativity and that of the other little beings that come along to enjoy the day with her.

I created these two projects with her in mind and for the Emma's Paperie blog.  Our challenge this week has been on Typography and I so enjoyed it.  Both projects use products from the Hello Friend collection from Glitz Design....the sweetest collection of images, colors, sentiments, etc.  I adore it.

I do love this little girl...forever and ever, she is mine, ours.

You can find all of the supplies used on both of these projects HERE on the Emma's Paperie blog.  

Just wanted to share a quote I love with you today:

"We should remember that saying 'I love you' is only a beginning. We need to say it, we need to mean it, and most importantly we need consistently to show it. We need to both express and demonstrate love."

—David A. Bednar, "More Diligent and Concerned at Home"

 

Enjoy the day!

Melis

sweet little life...

Hello friends!  Today is such a beautiful day.  It's raining outside and I can smell the sagebrush and wet earth...it's the most heavenly smell to me.  This week we've been doing our best to fight off the dreaded flu bug that's going around, my husband has been busy on the road, but is home again, yaay!  And, basketball season for the little bean is back in session.  She eats it up, dribbles her ball throughout the house, teaches me the drills she's learning, wears her jersey non-stop, and switches into coach mode...I love it and love seeing her grow and sprout wings.

I have a couple of Melissa Frances projects to share with you today using the new Classic Elegance collection resin appliques, German glass glitter, trims, vintage bling, vellum envelopes, etc.

These lovely, soft colors just melt me...I love how delicate and soft they are mixed in with all of my favorite things.  I created this house wall hanging for the Melissa Frances CHA booth using beautiful, vintage cardstock stickers, paper, etc.

Shabby is delicious to my crafty eyes and fingers....it speaks to my heart and nourishes my mind and soul.

Sigh...luscious, dreamy, ethereal.

Have a beautiful day.  The rain is calling me outside, so out I'll go to soak it in, run in the hills, and thank my Heavenly Father for this sweet little life I call mine.

Melis

 

P.S.  Frost it Pink is having a huge sale going on now through the 26th, 45% off everything except for Class Creations, so hurry on over!

 

P.P.S  Simple Stories and Scor-Pal have teamed up this week and there's a giveaway involved!  Hurry over to the Simple Stories blog to learn more and enjoy some fun projects.

Here's a peek at mine:

 

hopping with Paper Smooches...

Hi everyone!  I'm here today to share with you some super fun news from my friend Kim Hughes, and her darling company, Paper Smooches.

Paper Smooches is showing off their CHA release during the entire month of January.  Thirty-seven designers are participating along with the PS DT, so there will be a ton of projects to inspire you this month.  Paper Smooches is known for their fun and whimsical hand-drawn stamps.  They decided that it was time to broaden their product line to include DIES and wood mount stamps!  

 

I have a few projects to share using NEW PS product that releases on February 1, 2013 at www.papersmoochesstamps.com along with many retail stores around the globe.

 

Introducing the Paper Smooches Tag Zig Zag Die!

 

Along with the Tag Zig Zag Die, I've used Paper Smooches Needle Little Love stamp set on each of these cards...it's a favorite of mine, and you can see why!  Hearts, stitches, sewing machine, pin cushion, needle and thread, sigh.

The sentiment on this card is from the Falling For You stamp set.  The scrunched seam binding used on my cards today is from My Craft Spot.


You will find a new blog link (or two) to follow every day in January at the PS Blog. 

 

Paper Smooches is giving away $500. Worth of product!  Hidden on FIVE of the participating blogs is a prize package worth $100. each. The prize includes a variety of stamp sets, wood mounts and dies.  Comment on as many blogs as you can to increase your chances to be one of the five winners.

 

Deadline is January 30^th – winners will be announced on the PS Blog on January 31^st.

Have fun hopping and thanks for visiting!

Melis

loveliest love story...

This time of year, I get super happy as all of the new Valentine themed crafty supplies make their appearance.  I can hardly resist  any bit of it, as hearts, pinks, reds, cupids, doilies, glitter, and arrows make this time of year so much fun to create for.  My card today was created for Emma's Paperie and is based on a sketch there, and uses one of my favorite new Valentine collections, True Love by Basic Grey.  

The scrunched seam binding is from My Craft Spot.  

You can find all of the supplies used on this card HERE.

Just a few Valentine pretties I have pinned to share with you today. 

(Cupid Corn Cookie Bark from yourhomebasedmom)

(Kiss Me Garland from Rhonna Designs)  Love how this is draped over a chalkboard...sweetness.

And, I love every inch of this...so much inspiration in one little piece of art.  (Photo via Pinterest)

 

Have a lovely Sunday!

Melis

 

 

valentine love jars...

Love is in the air and Valentine's Day on its way.  I'm here to share a Papertrey Ink Tips & Tricks project with you...a fun, quick, and easy Valentine gift idea all wrapped up in a mason jar.

I'm pretty sure that just about everything looks cute in a mason jar and I have loved the mason jar trend and hope these little beauties keep sticking around.  

The supplies for this project are pretty minimal and can easily be swapped out for different colors, themes, occasions, etc.  So, how about we get started?

Begin with an empty mason jar and a doily.  I used Papertrey Ink's Parisian Lace Doily die and Linen Vellum.  

 

Next, prepare your stamped images.  I used Papertrey Ink's Tremendous Treats:  Valentine stamp set, White Stamper's Select Cardstock, Smokey Shadow ink, Limitless Layers: 1 3/4" Circles (for the center circle), and Limitless Layers: 2 1/2" Circles (for the outer scalloped circle), Sweet Blush Bitty Dot paper, Sweet Blush Polka Dot paper, and Simple Valentine paper.  The images were colored using Copic Markers in the following colors:  Crimson RV29, Pink RV11, Aqua Mint BG32, with Warm Gray W1 No.1 used as an outline.

Add your chosen sentiments.  I used Papertrey Ink's Tiny Treats:  Valentine stamp set and Smokey Shadow ink.  I then added a heart border around my image using the 2010 Love Tags stamp set and Pure Poppy ink.  

Now it's time to assemble your jars.  Simply adhere the doily to the center of the jar front using just a bit of adhesive in the center of the doily and then adhere the scalloped circle Limitless Layer die cut to the center of the doily.  Next, wrap a double strand of Pure Poppy Baker's Twine around the center of the jar securing it in a bow.  Using dimensional adhesive, adhere the stamped circle to the center of the scalloped circle.

Using the Limitless Layers:  2 1/2" Circles die collection again, cut circles to cover the jar seal.  I then painted my jar rings using Krylon acrylic paint in Catalina Mist and Ballet Pink.  I added mica flakes by spraying the rings with adhesive spray and then lightly shaking on the sparkle.

All that's left is to add your ribbon to each jar and a Tiny Tag stamped with a sentiment.  I used Aqua Mist Saddle Stitch and Pure Poppy Swiss Dot Satin ribbon and the 2010 Love Tags stamp set again.  

Lastly, using Pure Poppy and Aqua Mist felt, and the Movers & Shakers:  Poppers die, create a rolled flower to finish your jars.

These are so much fun to assemble and dress up for someone sweet.  Let the little ones help by coloring in the stamped images themselves, then present to a teacher or special friend.

Thanks so much for visiting!

Melis

mix & match...

Hello Thursday!  Today I have a couple of cards to share with you using my die-cuts and paper scraps and have made some mix & match embellishments...I love using up my paper scraps like this.  My color palette consists of Melon Berry, Aqua Mist, Sweet Blush, Fine Linen, and Winter Wisteria.  I used Papertrey Ink's Super Stars stamp set for the sentiment and tiny star and the A Little Argyle set across the bottom.  

This first card uses the Seeing Stars die collection from Papertrey Ink along with bits of patterned paper including Winter Wisteria Gingham, Sweet Blush Gingham, Aqua Mist Polka Dot, and Melon Berry Bitty Dot.

All I did was run a stack of 3-4 papers through my die cut machine so that it would cut 4 stars from 4 different papers in one shot. I then trimmed each star apart and then pieced them back together mixing and matching the colors and patterns.  A bit of washi tape on the back secured the pieces together and then I ran them through my sewing machine to add a bit of a homespun look.  I added another layer to the stars by cutting a smaller star from vellum.  

I used the same technique on this card, but used the Leaf Prints die instead.  

I didn't adhere the leaves down completely, but just down the center so I could fold the edges upward in order to get a little dimension.  Each leaf is topped with a Berry Sorbet button.

The sentiment on this card is from the Over Under Easy stamp set and is stamped in Melon Berry and Spring Moss.

I used Freckled Fawn washi tape in Pink Victorian, Airmail Polka Dot, and Wide Red on White Polka Dot.  

 

Thanks for visiting.  Hope your day is wonderful!

Melis

hello there sunshine...

Bet ya can't tell how much I love the new Melissa Frances goodies?  Who could possibly resist that sweet baby kitten and darling die with the fun sentiment?  No sir, not me.

This card uses more of the Melissa Frances Classic Elegance collection.  I used the new dies shown below along with the beautiful new paper.  The kitten was snipped from the Adopted Ancestors paper.  

You can see more lovely projects using this collection on the Melissa Frances blog.  

These next couple of cards were created for the Emma's Paperie blog and were inspired by a beautiful color combination found there, based on the photo below.

I used oodles of the Dear Lizzy 5th & Frolic collection from American Crafts...this is such a fun collection of pretty pastels and girlie, whimsical images, oh, and gold foil stickers!

You can find all of the supplies used on these cards HERE at Emma's Paperie.

Off to get dinner started and to try and stay warm.

Night.

Melis

papertrey ink january...

Well Hi!  I have a few projects to share with you today, each created with Papertrey Ink new release stamp sets and other products.  You can start shopping for them tonight, January 15th, 10PM EST.

This first card uses the fun new Framed Out #12 stamp set....I daresay it's my most favorite Framed Out set yet...and just $5.  I attached vellum behind the framed out die and created a little pocket filled with pink sequins.  You can also spot the new Tremendous Tags die collection at work here as well.

This card uses the Heart-2-Heart #12 stamp set and coordinating dies.  I'm crazy about those sweet posies and will be using this set plenty.

Dawn McVey's new Happy For You stamp set is shown here along with last month's Heart-2-Heart #11.  Love the darling heart garland stamp.

I can't begin to tell you how much I love both of the sets shown here, the new Destinations and World Map sets.  So much fun...a different twist for me, but I had a ball creating with them, plus I think that ship is so adorable.

More pink sequins....can you tell I love these things?  The wood chip is from Freckled Fawn.

Maile's new Square Prints stamp set is used on this card along with the Everyday Photo Finishers.

The washi tape can be found at Freckled Fawn.

And lastly, the new Think Big Favorites #24 is used on this card along with Framed Out #12 and Heart-2-Heart #12.

See what I mean about Framed Out #12...what a cute die!

And another peek at the Tremendous Tags die...sweet little things.

Ok, that's it for me.  What a fun month it's been.  Thanks so much for sticking with me and for each and every visit and comment.

Loads of inspiration is waiting for you from the other designers:

• Dawn McVey
• Betsy Veldman
• Maile Belles
• Jessica Witty
• Cristina Kowalczyk
• Erin Lincoln
• Danielle Flanders
• Nichole Heady

Melis

Love Life card

Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:
Stamps:
Framed Out #12
Ink:
PUre Poppy, Smokey Shadow, Raspberry Fizz
Cardstock and paper:
Sweet Blush, Rustic Cream, Vellum, and Hawaiian Shores Bitty Dot
Accents:
Aqua Mist button, Sweet Blush grosgrain
Tools:
Tremendous Tags, Heart Prints, and Framed Out #12

Other Supplies Used:
Crate Paper paper and chipboard
sequins

Happy Thoughts card

Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:
Stamps:
Heart-2-Heart #12
Ink:
Autumn Rose, Dark Chocolate, Classic Kraft, and Autumn Rose
Cardstock and paper:
Fine Linen and Kraft, Fine Linen Bitty Dot paper
Tools:
Heart-2-Heart #12

Other Supplies Used:
Tea-stained twill, Graphic 45 paper

Hello, Lovely card

Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:
Stamps:
Happy For You and Heart-2-Heart #11
Ink:
Sweet Blush and Dark Chocolate
Cardstock:
Sweet Blush and Fine Linen
Accents:
Sweet Blush grosgrain, Vintage Cream felt
Tools:
Heart Prints, Heart-2-Heart #11, Tremendous Tags

Other supplies used:
Basic Grey and Graphic 45 paper
Maya Road trinket pin and mini clothespin
burlap

Bon Voyage card

Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:
Stamps:
Destination, World Map, Background Basics: Text Style, and Hello Sunshine
Ink:
Orange Zest, Summer Sunrise, Aqua Mist, Dark Chocolate, and Melon Berry
Cardstock:
Fine Linen, Vellum, and Kraft
Accents:
Fine Linen button
Tools:
Framed Out #12, Framed Out #11, Cloud 1 & 2, Tag Sale #2

Other supplies used:
Crate Paper and My Mind's Eye paper
Freckled Fawn washi tape and wood veneer

All My Love card

Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:
Stamps:
Everyday Photo Finishers, Framed Out #11, Square Prints
Ink:
Plum Pudding, Winter Wisteria, Lavender Moon, Raspberry Fizz, and Hibiscus Burst
Cardstock:
Sweet Blush, Rustic Cream
Accents:
Sweet Blush buttons, Royal Velvet felt, and Soft Stone grosgrain
Tools:
Tremendous Tags, Buttoned Up #1, Photo Finishers die collection

Other Supplies Used:
gems
Crate Paper paper
Freckled Fawn washi tape

Happy Birthday card

Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:

Stamps:

Think Big Favorites #24, Heart-2-Heart #12, and Framed Out #12

Cardstock:

Fine Linen and Rustic Cream

Ink:
Classic Kraft, Sweet Blush, Aqua Mist, and Dark Chocolate

Accents:

Vintage Cream felt

Tools:

Heart Border, Framed Out #12, Heart-2-Heart #12, Tremendous Tags dies

Other supplies used:
Pink Paislee, Prima, Pebbles inc., and Basic Grey pper

Vintage trim 

fancy folk art...

Hello again.  I'm back for another Papertrey Ink group post, this time showcasing the new Fancy Folk Art stamp set and coordinating dies.  I have always been drawn to folk art and primitives...they speak to my country-fied, artsy, homespun heart, so this set opens up a whole new world of creativity for me and I have been having such a great time using it.  We were asked to create a card and tag for you today and were also asked to seek out inspiration for our projects.  I knew immediately that I wanted to use the photo shown below as inspiration for my first card.

(photo from carolinejohannson)

Here is what I came up with.  Along with the Fancy Folk Art stamp set I used birds from the Tweet Talk stamp set and the Limitless Layers:  2 1/4" Hearts die collection and started building from there.  My color palette includes, Ocean Tides, Aqua Mist, Pure Poppy, and Smokey Shadow ink.  

I wanted the theme of my card to focus on love, so I carried the hearts through to the Heart Border die using glitter tape and the sprinkling of hearts at the top of the card which use the Background Basics:  Hearts.  

(photo from allpeoplequilt)

I was inspired for my next project using this sweet, cozy photo.  

For my tag, I went with colors that I use in my own home and that I associate with folk art...deep reds, cranberry, mustard yellow, deep black and navy, and rich, warm green.  I used Smokey Shadow cardstock and die cut it using the Mat Stack 4 die and matted it with mustard yellow patterned paper using the Layerz Mat Stack 4 die.  

I used the Fancy Folk Art stamp set and coordinating die along with Kraft cardstock and then pulled out my Copics to bring in color.

I stamped my sentiment onto vellum with watermark ink and embossed it using white embossing powder.  I then positioned it onto my die and cut it to fit across the bottom of my tag, layered over the Fancy Folk Art images.  A bit of Smokey Shadow grosgrain tied at the top and my tag was complete and ready to attach to a bundle of vintage trims to give as a gift.

 

Thanks again for visiting.  Be sure to stop by and check out the projects created with this set by the other designers:

• Dawn McVey
• Betsy Veldman
• Maile Belles
• Jessica Witty
• Cristina Kowalczyk
• Erin Lincoln
• Danielle Flanders
• Nichole Heady

Melis

hands of time...

The Papertrey Ink group post #1 for January is underway and I think you're going to love this new stamp set, I know I certainly do.  The Design Team members were assigned to create a card and a memory keeping type of project for you, and it's my day to showcase this set, so I have a few extras for you as well. 

I have a wedding card to share with you first which uses the Seed Packet die to create a vellum envelope.  I stamped it with watermark ink using the large clock face image from this set and embossed it in white embossing powder.  The sentiment, also from this set, was embossed with gold embossing powder as were the numbers.  They are from another fun new set called Number Time Trio. I used Rustic Cream cardstock and The Hands of Time dies, ohhhh, they are so beautiful (you'll be seeing them everywhere) to finish off my clock face.

I filled the vellum envelope with a few pink sequins and clipped a Sweet Blush tag inside, cut using the new Tremendous Tags die collection....love, love!  Soft Stone grosgrain finishes off the front of this card.

I decided to finish the inside of this card and used the same elements.  The clock image is stamped in Soft Stone and the numbers in Sweet Blush.  The sentiment stamped on the Tremendous Tag is stamped in Smokey Shadow.

I love it when assigned a layout or mini-book as I often forget how much joy I get out of creating them.  My little girl is a huge goof and I have the hardest time getting her to cooperate and give me a single smile, so when it happens, glory be!  We have to celebrate :)  It's time to bribe her again, but for this layout I used a couple of photos from her first day back to school this year.  Time is going by so fast!  Here she is a 4th grader and I am enjoying every moment.  Dramatic?  Yep...holy cow.  But, I love her to bits, drama, goofball photos, and all.

I first began by using Aqua Mist cardstock as my base and stamped clock face images here and there using Aqua Mist ink, numbers in Sweet Blush.  I used the Clock Face die and patterned paper and matted it to Rustic Cream cardstock cut using the Delightful Doilies die.  I used hearts from the Framed Out #11 Mini stamp set in place of some of the numbers using Harvest Gold, Sweet Blush, and Aqua Mist ink.  I then die cut the clock face again using Sweet Blush cardstock and used the circles cut from it for the numbers on my clock face and stamped them in Smokey Shadow.  The center of the clock is a heart cut from the Framed Out #11 die collection, Hands of Time die collection next cut from patterned paper and embellished in the center with a Sweet Blush button.  I used the Tremendous Tags die again and stamped my sentiment on it and stitched it to the bottom corner.  These little tags are perfect for so many things.

My title, which ends with the sentiment shown above, is cut from Ocean Tides felt using the Block Alphabet Upper Die Collection.  

I used the Framed Out #11 die collection again and die cut several heart to use as embellishments topped with vellum hearts cut using the Heart Prints die collection.  

This card uses left over bits from the layout above.  I started with the clock face stamped in Aqua Mist and the numbers in Sweet Blush.  I then layered on the left over hearts from the Framed Out #11 die collection.  I used pattern paper to die cut the clock hands and then stamped my sentiment on a Tremendous Tag die cut from Sweet Blush ink.  I then used the Number Time Trio dies to cut my numbers and perched them inside one of the hearts.

  I love how the clock image peeks through the heart windows.

I tried a new-to-me technique for my border and stamped images from the Hands of Time set using watermark ink across a strip of Rustic Cream cardstock.  I then used some pastel, shimmer chalk and rubbed chalk in varying colors over the ink to reveal the image beneath...very fun.  I love the soft, watercolor effect.  I then created a scallop border using the Medium Scallop Border die.  

This fun card uses bright colors paired with the Hands of Time stamp set.  I used the Limitless Layers:  2 1/2"  Circles die collection and a scallop punch to create my flower.  Images were stamped in Hibiscus Burst and Orange Zest.   

The clock hands were die cut using Terra Cotta Tile cardstock and an Aqua Mist button was used in the center.

I used the Rosie Posie die and New Leaf cardstock for my flower stem.  I created a playful sentiment using stamps from this set and a die cut number using the Number Time Trio die.

Lastly, this card combines the Hands of Time stamp set and coordinating dies with images from the Stitched Sentiments stamp set.  I also used the Background Basics:  Inspiration across the top of this card.  I used Sweet Blush, Spring Moss, Autumn Rose, Soft Stone, and Dark Chocolate ink.  

Patterned paper was used for my clock hands and a decorative center for the middle of my clock.  

That does it for me today.  Thanks so much for taking the time to visit.  The other designers have projects waiting to be shared with you as well.

Melis

 

• Dawn McVey
• Betsy Veldman
• Maile Belles
• Jessica Witty
• Cristina Kowalczyk
• Erin Lincoln
• Danielle Flanders
• Nichole Heady

 

classic elegance...

I'm so happy to get to share a few sneak peeks of the new Melissa Frances, Classic Elegance collection with you.  It's BEAUTIFUL!  Creating with all of her coordinating products makes the process so enjoyable and effortless.

This first card uses paper, cardstock stickers, and die cuts, and tags using this beautiful new collection.  

Here's a look at the complete cardstock sticker sheet.  

(The black lines are the die cutting line, and will not be on the final product.)

This card also uses Classic Elegance paper, a tag, and cardstock stickers and below you can see the entire set of shabby tags that coordinate with this collection.  

Here's a peek at the full range of paper included in this collection...double sided for the first time and so lovely!

I'll show you more of my projects as soon as I'm given the green light, but for now there are many other projects waiting on the Melissa Frances blog.

 

Enjoy your day!

Melis

 

funky florals...

Some exciting news from Papertrey Ink!  

Funky Florals (a $15 value) will be available for customers as a FREE bonus with qualifying orders placed before 11:30pm EST, January 14th. To qualify for the set, the order total needs to equal $100 or more before shipping and without Rewards Points discounts. Funky Florals is a limited edition set that will never be available for purchase, so be sure to get yours while they are available during this special holiday promotional period!

My card today uses this fun new set which coordinates with the Notched Flowers die collection...one of my favorites.  My color palette consists of Pure Poppy, Hawaiian Shores, Aqua Mist, Harvest Gold, and Simply Chartreuse.  The centers of both flowers were cut using the Love Lives Here die collection and the leaves use the Delightful Dahlia die collection.  

For more peeks at this darling set, follow the links below:

• Dawn McVey
• Betsy Veldman
• Maile Belles
• Jessica Witty
• Cristina Kowalczyk
• Erin Lincoln
• Debbie Olson
• Nichole Heady

Thanks for stopping by!

Melis

 

ordinary bliss...

Pheeew!  Did you think I left the country and forgot about my dear, little blog?  Just been on holiday break....my little busy body went back to school today after a long winter break.  I miss her and the hustle bustle, on your toes, she brings to each day, but she certainly couldn't wait to get back to school this morning.  We love the magic in the ordinary around here.  So, I'm back to posting and working and the routine of life that is wonderful.

A couple of months ago, I was asked to guest design for Jillibean's Soup Card Kitchen Kit Club.  I have a happy fondness for Jillibean Soup as their designs are always so playful, colorful, full of life and just so much fun to work with.  Here are a couple of the cards I created with their December card kit.  

These sweet, little card kits are packed with paper, dies, embellishments, and extras.  I got to work with the Grandma's Lima Bean Soup collection.  Just as tasty and delish as the name.

If the new year takes you on the search for a fun, new kit club to be part of, you must check out The Card Kitchen...doesn't disappoint and is loaded with things to make you smile.

And, I'm happy to report that Creating Keepsakes Creative Spaces Vol. 2 hits newsstands tomorrow!  I'm very excited to dig into this issue and so tickled to be part of it.  You can read more about this issue and catch a peek at my craft space and many others HERE on the Creating Keepsakes blog.  PLUS, there is a giveaway there lasting from today through January 18th...be sure to read more and leave a comment on the CK blog.

 

Before I go, the winner of Danielle Flanders' Embellishing Handbook is...Kelly Sanna-Gouin!  Kelly please email me at meliphillips@lcturbonet.com and I'll hook you up with your eBook.

Thank you all for visiting!

Melis

 

splash of color...

Hello there and sorry to keep you waiting regarding the winner of the $25 In a Pikle Gift Card.  The winner, chosen randomly is, RUSH!  I wish I could have given away 138 gift cards, but thank you to each of you for entering and for your sweet words.  Rush, if you'll please email me, that would be wonderful!

I created this card for Emma's Paperie with our Company Spotlight on Basic Grey.  I chose to use many fun elements from the Soleil line such as wooden buttons, trinket pins, canvas and die cut flowers, etc.  The playful purples, pinks, and yellows were welcome splashes of color and have left me energized.

You can see another project created with these supplies on the Emma's Paperie blog along with finding a complete list of supplies.

Thanks for visiting!

Melis

all booked up revisited...

Happy New Year!  Welcome to the Papertrey Ink Sr. Design Team challenge.  We have been asked to revisit the All Booked Up stamp set and create a bookmark, packaging, and card ensemble for you.

We'll start with the card which uses the Background Basics:  Inspiration stamp set in conjunction with a sentiment and image from the All Booked Up stamp set.  

The background is stamped in Classic Kraft, Sweet Blush, Smokey Shadow, and Spring Moss.  I used the Heart Border die across the card separating each color and created a focal point using Sweet Blush cardstock and the Tag Sale #1 die.  I used the Flower Fusion #3, Beautiful Blooms II #3, and Sending You dies along with Simply Chartreuse and Vintage Cream felt and a bit of Simply Chartreuse Bitty Dot paper.

I packaged up the bookmark in a White Gift Enclosure stamped using the Distressed Stripes, Classic Kraft, Smokey Shadow, Sweet Blush, and Simply Chartreuse ink.  I wrapped it up with Sweet Blush Grosgrain and embellished the center of the bow using a tag stamped with a sentiment from the All Booked Up stamp set die cut using the Tiny Tags die.

The bookmark uses the Limitless Layers 2 1/2" Circles die collection, Classic Kraft, and Vintage Cream felt.  I carried over the same floral embellishments as on the card but used a bit of patterned paper this time.  A bit of Smokey Shadow and Sweet Blush Grosgrain finished off the bookmark and leaves it ready and waiting to be put to use.

I loved putting together this fun ensemble.  My little girl is an enormous bookwork and so I had her in mind while creating this.

The other Sr. Team members have projects waiting for you as well:

Betsy Veldman

Dawn McVey

Heather Nichols

Maile Belles

 

And, before I go, I wanted to share with you a beautiful new eBook written by my friend, Danielle Flanders.  This book is amazing and so much fun because it's packed full of her brilliant work and inspiring ideas.  I love it...will be turning to it and enjoying it over and over again.  I am lucky enough to be able to give one of these eBooks away, all you have to do is leave a comment here on this post and I'll randomly select a winner and announce it on January 5th!  

 

Happy New Year and thank you for stopping by!

Melis

 

P.S.  Be sure to check out Betsy's amazing Make it Monday HERE....soooo beautiful!

 

P.P.S.  I haven't forgotten the Pikle giveaway....be back soon to announce that winner too :)

 

sweetheart stitches...

Oh what a wonderful day!  I'm feeling so refreshed and invigorated....perfect Saturdays at home with my husband and little girl always seem to do that to me. 

And, hearts and stitches always make me smile too....LOVE crafting for Valentine's Day.  Give me glitter, hearts, shades of red, and some cute wooden arrows and I can't help but smile.  

I created this card for the I am Doe blog using some of Freckled Fawn's sweet new wood chips.  I used the Freckled Fawn Arrow Wood Chips on this card but they also carry the cutest Speech Bubble Word Wood Chips too.  I also snagged my Wide Argyle Washi and Gold Polka on White Washi and used them across the card as well.  

I used Papertrey Ink's Purls of Wisdom and Sew Simple Borders Mini stamp sets here as well as cork and the Tiny Tags die.  I also used Maya Road's Scallop Frames Chipboard set and a Mini Wooden Clothespin.  

The new year always seems to refresh and excite me.  This year I have so much to look forward to, dreams and goals, but so much everyday goodness to love and be grateful for.  I've decided it's time for a new look here on my blog...time to switch to blogger I think and spruce this place up a bit, so stay tuned for that and please let me know if you have any wonderful blog designers to recommend.  I've got a teaching opportunity to a faraway country, across the seas, that I am nervous and excited about coming up this year if all goes as planned...stay tuned for more on that too.  Looking forward to more every day, ordinary, moments with my little family...chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast each morning before school, backpack unpacking and helping with homework in the evenings, watching with wonder as she grows and changes and realizes how very special she is, caring for a home, a sweet, gentle, hardworking husband, baking and cooking, morning runs, the ups and downs that are sure to come, continually trying to realize and reach my potential, etc....life is sweet and I am forever grateful.

 

Well, my little lady is sleeping, time for a movie, popcorn, and oranges with my boy.

Night.

Melis

snowflakes sparkle...

Hi everyone!  I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas.  We certainly did here.  Still enjoying the lazy days of togetherness that come after Christmas and hoping that my energy and creative mojo will kick in again...it worries me when I sit and stare and all of my lovely supplies without a thought as to what to do with them.  The holidays wipe me out though with all of the hustle, bustle and preparations that happen before.  I love soaking in the calm and quiet after.  My little one is home with me for a good long while and it is the sweetest thing to have her here to fill the house with the music that only she can make...the laughter, happiness, chatter, imaginary play, etc.

I just wanted to check in today and share a project I created for my mom....the sweetest mom on earth.  I painted a silver frame using Krylon Catalina Mist acrylic paint and then distressed it with Tim Holtz Vintage Photo distress ink.  I then printed off a vintage photo I found online and embellished the frame with a tiny Melissa Frances bottle brush tree, Melissa Frances cream tulle trim, a silver snowflake also painted in Catalina Mist, and a few other of my favorite things. I love creating dimensional frames...so fun to let your favorite things pop off the frame and come to life.

I used my favorite Vanilla Bean scrunched seam binding from Craft Spot and created a handmade button using fabric, trim, and my I-top tool....sure need to dig that thing out more often.

 

I hope to be back with more fun things to share with you soon, but wanted to check in and say Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Melis

because it's so cute, holiday giveaway....

I love giving like-minded, crafty friends handmade gifts...it's one of my favorite things to do because basically I just either shop for or create something I would love, and then give it away.  I have mentioned my friend Teva before here, she's the creator of the adorable owls shown below.

Well, I love having her as a friend as she also shares a piece of my heart and I feel so connected to her. When Teva made me my sweet, pink owl family, she made an extra baby owlet, just because.  I remember feeling so grateful that she would be so thoughtful. I truly hope that one day we will be a family of 4, and that there will be another little one added to our family.  When she gave them to me, she never said a word, but I knew what was in her heart.  She, more than anyone I know, has suffered incredible heartbreak as she and her husband have tried to bring little ones into their home.  She is a wonderful mother and has beautiful, sweet, angels watching her from above, waiting for her.  She is stronger than I could ever be and I am in awe of her and her incredible faith.  Anyway, she is fun to make things for so I created the jingle pincushion with her in mind and shared a few of my favorite fabric prints with her.

I used more of my favorite Melissa Frances Pink Zipper Ribbon and Organza Pouf Pink Ribbon to create my flower and sprayed a glittered silver jingle bell with Ballet Pink Krylon acrylic paint for the center.  The Heart Trinket pins are from Maya Road and the fabric from Moda.  

This card was created for Emma's Paperie and is based on a sketch there.  I used one of my most favorite Christmas collections of the season from Glitz Designs called Joyeux Noel.  I know I'll be using it year round as it's shabby and so beautiful.  

I also used embellishments from Glitz Designs Hello Friend collection, Studio Calico, Crate Paper, Jillibean Soup and others.  You can find a complete supply list HERE.

And now, because it's my absolute favorite thing in the world...I don't actually own one, but my sis-in-law and I bought one for my mom for Christmas and it just arrived and truly is just irresistible.  I want to share the Christmas joy with one of you.  These little darlings are from a company called In a Pikle, you must check out their website to read all about them, but in a nutshell, these glammed up wallets contain emergency essentials for mom, grandma, auntie, even dad as they've just come out with a very handsome, manly version.  I bought my mom the cute pearl grey one.  I will be giving away a $25 In a Pikle Gift Card to one of you so you can go shopping for your own Pikle and handle the little emergencies of life with a smile :)  

Just leave a note for me on this post by, let's say, December 31st at midnight.  I'll randomly select one reader and announce the winner on January 1st-ish :)

 

Merry Christmas friends.

Melis 

tree trimmings...

These past few days have been very sweet as Christmas draws nearer.  I have enjoyed wrapping up special gifts, finishing handmade projects, getting packages filled with love mailed off to my family far away, and slowing down to enjoy my little one as she certainly knows how to bring the magic of Christmas into our lives.  We've had snow here which is always a treat in the desert...it doesn't last long, but is so fun to see the kids run out to soak it in and enjoy it before it disappears.  They can build muddy, mini snowmen faster that you can blink :).  My heart has been touched like never before as I have reflected back upon the tragedy that took place this past week.  I have learned to slow down and savor the life I have with the beautiful gifts of my husband and daughter that have been given to me by my Father in Heaven.  Christmas songs such as Silent Night, Away in a Manger, Joy to the World, and many others seem to have such a different depth to them now as I celebrate the cherished gift of our Savior's birth and know that He is cradling those sweet babies in His arms now...just for a while until they can be reunited with their mothers. I pray every day for those sweet mothers and fathers, for the families, for the dear little children that were witnesses, for the teachers...teachers are such special people.  My mom taught Kindergarten through 3rd grade for more years than I can remember and so I find myself picturing her in that situation.  Teachers are angels as are the little ones that they care for, teach, love, and protect.

I ran across this quote the other day and have found myself looking back and searching for the helpers and of course finding them everywhere.

I have a few last Christmas project to share.  I hardly touched my Christmas stash of crafting supplies this year.  I always have such big plans to create with this and that and use all of the things I love, but before I know it, it's too late.  Anyway, for you today, I have a couple of paper mache Christmas tree boxes decorated in buttons and glitter, and my holiday ornament this year.  I love to come up with a new handmade ornament each year, and this year was invited to an ornament exchange so I was able to sit down and enjoy making 20 of them.

I started by painting a silver snowflake with pink acrylic paint, then I attached a layer of pink tulle trim from Melissa Frances to the center, next came a small scalloped circle cut from newsprint paper, and then I finished by adhering a bottle brush tree, also by Melissa Frances, to the center.  The wooden snowflake is from Studio Calico and was painted with Krylon Catalina Mist.

My little one will be home from school soon and we've got to make a treat for her class Christmas party tomorrow.  We'll be making one of the following:

I think this looks SOOOO delish!  You can find the recipe at iheartnaptime.

or,

This look so good too!  How to choose...this recipe can be found HERE.  

Got to run...have a wonderful day.

Melis

 

love much...

Hi friends.  Monday is here and I've created a little something for you....a tutorial is available on making your own patchwork die-cuts HERE on the Papertrey Ink blog.

And, since you all have oodles of free time this week :), I thought you might want to try your hand at creating your own homespun patchwork die-cuts and be entered to win a $25 gift card prize!  Head over to the Papertrey Ink blog to post a link to your project. 

Melis

papertrey ink december...

It's been such a fun month at Papertrey Ink with so many new and playful sets and products.  Now if I can switch gears from Valentine's Day and back track to Christmas for a bit. 

My first card uses the new Sending My Love stamp set packed with the sweetest quotes and sentiments.  The quote used on this card is a favorite of mine as it makes me think of my own sweetheart.

I used the letter stamps from the With All My Heart stamp set and stamped them in watermark ink as my background...love their subtlety.

The new XOXO Border die and Framed Out #11 die were used on this card as well.

This card uses my most favorite Think Big Favorites set yet...that is #28.  I also used the Framed Out #11 set and dies as well.

The Love Potion set is next...very playful.  I combined it with hearts from the With All My Heart set and flourishes from the Fancy Flourishes set.

Lastly is the new Quilled Elegance set paired with the new Mat Stack #6 dies.  I'm excited to try this set out some more.

 

All of the supplies used on these cards are listed below and to see more of these sets used in creative ways, visit the blogs of the other Papertrey Ink designers:

• Dawn McVey
• Betsy Veldman
• Ashley Cannon Newell
• Maile Belles
• Jessica Witty
• Danielle Flanders
• Cristina Kowalczyk
• Erin Lincoln
• Debbie Olson

Thank you for visiting each and every time and Happy Holidays!

Melis

 

Love Story Card

Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:
Stamps:
Sending My Love and With All My Heart
Ink:
Pure Poppy 
Cardstock and Paper:
Sweet Blush, Rustic Cream, and Aqua Mist Bitty Dot
Accents:
Pure Poppy and Aqua Mist felt, Aqua Mist buttons, Hawaiian Shore Swiss Dot Satin
Tools:
Framed Out #11, Sending You, XOXO Borders, and Movers and Shakers Poppers dies

Other:
Fancy Pants and Crate Paper paper

Love Card

Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:
Stamps:
Framed Out #11, Think Big Favorites #28
Cardstock:
Aqua Mist and Rustic Cream
Ink:
Raspberry Fizz, Berry Sorbet, and Aqua Mist
Tools:
Framed Out #11 and Heart-2-Heart #7
Accents:
Sweet Blush Grosgrain, Vintage Cream and Simply Chartreuse felt, Berry Sorbet button

Other:
Crate Paper paper

Love Potion Card

Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:
Stamps:
Love Potion, Fancy Flourishes, and With All My Heart
Ink:
Raspberry Fizz, Aqua Mist, Melon Berry, Berry Sorbet, Classic Kraft, and Sweet Blush
Tools:
Framed Out #11 and Love Potion
Accents:
Sweet Blush Topnotch Twill, Aqua Mist button

Other:
Glitz Designs paper, Freckled Fawn washi tape, Doodlebug glitter

 

Thank You Kindly Card

Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:
Stamps:
Quilled Elegance
Ink:
Winter Wisteria
Cardstock and Paper:
Rustic Cream, Sweet Blush, and Winter Wisteria Leaves
Tools:
Mat Stack 6, Heart-2-Heart #7
Accents:
Sweet Blush buttons, Vintage Cream felt

Other:
My Mind's Eye paper, Craft Store scrunched seam binding, Copic Markers, Maya Road trinket pins

 

with all my heart...

Today's Papertrey Ink group post showcases the new With All My Heart stamp set.  Hope you're ready for more Valentines, more wedding, and all things sweet because this set encompasses them all.  My first card was created with an anniversary theme in mind.  I began with the Sunrise Impression Plate used on white cardstock and then stamped hearts in Sweet Blush following the sunbeams using hearts from the With All My Heart stamp set.  

I created a focal point for my sentiment using the Limitless Layers Hearts 2 1/4" die collection, Sweet Blush cardstock and Winter Wisteria Leaves paper.  The sentiment from the set was stamped in Raspberry Fizz ink.  I used the Heart-2-Heart  #11 die which consists of three hearts to form my flowers from Autumn Rose felt.  The leaves were cut using Simply Chartreuse felt and the Heart-2-Heart #7 die.  I also used the Fancy Flourishes stamp set and coordinating dies as accents.  

I stamped the next part of my sentiment on a strip of Winter Wisteria cardstock using Winter Wisteria ink.  I also embossed hearts in white across the border cut using the Heart Border die.  

My next project is all about Valentine's Day and was created using the Essential Pillow Box Die and Kraft cardstock.  I began by stamping the Kraft cardstock with images from the set using Vintage Cream, Sweet Blush, and Spring Moss ink.  Once the box was folded up I wrapped a strip of Hibiscus Burst Grosgrain ribbon around it and tied it in a bow embellished with a tag cut from Sweet Blush cardstock using the Heart Prints die.

Once again I used the Limitless Layers Hearts 2 1/4" die collection as my focal point and stamped my image in Classic Kraft, Sweet Blush, Spring Moss, and Hibiscus Burst ink.  

Such a simple and fun project to make for the sweethearts in my life.

Thanks so much for stopping by.  The other designers have projects ready to share with you as well:

• Dawn McVey
• Betsy Veldman
• Ashley Cannon Newell
• Maile Belles
• Jessica Witty
• Danielle Flanders
• Cristina Kowalczyk
• Erin Lincoln
• Nichole Heady

Melis

embroidered blooms...

Welcome to Papertrey Ink's first group post for December.  We are focusing on the new Embroidered Blooms and Ribbons & Bows stamp sets.  

My first card uses the Embroidered Blooms stamp set to create a background created with the Double Wedding Ring quilt pattern in mind.  I used multiple images from this set along with Aqua Mist, Melon Berry, Harvest Gold, Hibiscus Burst, and Berry Sorbet ink.  I cut flowers using the Beautiful Blooms II #1 die from felt in Melon Berry and Vintage Cream with leaves cut from Aqua Mist felt using the Sending You die.  I added a simple strip of Sweet Blush Topnotch Twill along with a sentiment stamped on vellum and embossed in White Pearls.  

This card uses the beautiful Ribbons & Bows set very simply across the bottom of the card...I really love accenting with these images.  The script for the sentiments is beautiful as well.  

I used the Beautiful Blooms II #1 die again on this card along with Ocean Tides felt, centered with an Aqua Mist felt flower cut using the  Beautiful Blooms II #2 die and a Limeade Ice button.  I used the Rick Rack Border die as an accent just above the sentiment.

I used the Cover Plate:  Circles Die and stamped images from the Embroidered Blooms set inside each open circle using Limeade Ice, Aqua Mist, Ocean Tides, Simply Chartreuse, Hawaiian Shores, and Spring Moss ink.  The leaves were stamped in Limeade Ice and Simple Chartreuse and die cut using the Turning a New Leaf die.  

I used the Ribbons & Bows set as my background on this card and stamped the images in Pure Poppy, Sweet Blush, and Hibiscus Burst.  I used Aqua Mist Polka Dot and Stripe paper to accent my card and stamped the sentiment in Hawaiian Shores.  

My favorite new dies of this whole release are the Limitless Layers Hearts 2 1/4" die collection....oh, how I love them.  The center heart was cut from Sweet Blush cardstock and coated in glitter.  I used the Beautiful Blooms II #2 and Turning a New Leaf dies to form my accents here and stamped the flower with Pure Poppy and Hibiscus Burst and the leaves in Hawaiian Shores and Aqua Mist.  Just a Sweet Blush button and trinket pin were left to add as finishing touches.

I couldn't resist making a few treat bags using the Embroidered Blooms set and used Scarlet Jewel, Pure Poppy, Classic Kraft, and Dark Chocolate as my ink colors...love the warmth of this combination.  Once again you can see the Limitless Layers Hearts 2 1/4" die collection in action here....addicting, yes!  I die cut them using Classic Kraft and Rustic Cream cardstock.  

For the hearts and sentiments on these tags I turned to the new Framed Out #11 stamp set.  I added a border across one of the bags using the Heart Border die and then a bit of tea stained Pure Poppy Baker's twine to finish them off.

Lastly, I combined both sets once again to create this card using the color palette of Melon Berry, Pure Poppy, Sweet Blush, and Berry Sorbet.  The flowers were cut using the Beautiful Blooms II #2 die and the leaves cut using the Turning a New Leaf die.  I used Spring Moss and Simply Chartreuse here.  The Simply Chartreuse felt leaves were cut using the Sending You die once again.

I piled my stamping and embellishments on shapes cut using the new Mat Stack 6 die collection...it's a beauty too!

The other designers have beautiful things in store for you showcasing both of these new sets:

• Dawn McVey
• Betsy Veldman
• Ashley Cannon Newell
• Maile Belles
• Jessica Witty
• Danielle Flanders
• Cristina Kowalczyk
• Erin Lincoln
• Nichole Heady

Thanks so much for your visit.

Melis

 

 

sleigh ride...

Just have a minute...it seems the Christmas rush is on.  I don't quite know why I'm panicking as I have my shopping done, but not my wrapping, not my baking, not my lay on the couch and watch cheesy Hallmark Christmas movies time either...I better get it in gear.  I've done plenty of snacking on See's chocolates, cheeseball, and sugar cookies though.  I'm a trooper!

Emma's Paperie has such a fun color challenge up on the blog.  These two cards were created in that color palette and I love the fun products I used.  Maya Road, mica flakes, Crate Paper Sleigh Ride, and some Pink Paislee.  

Love the mini wooden rulers from Maya Road...a fave of mine.  I painted them with Krylon Catalina Mist and White acrylic paint and then coated them with just a bit of glitter.

You can never have too many Christmas crafty supplies I say!  All of the supplies used on these cards can be found HERE at Emma's Paperie.

 

Night.

Melis

jingle jangle...

Happy  Monday!  How are your Christmas preparations coming along?  I have a couple of holiday treats to share with you today created for the Maya Road/Tombow product swap. I and began with the Maya Road Chipboard Snowflake Coasters.  I love their size and knew they'd provide a great base to pile on some fun, bulky embellishments.  This first ornament was coated in Bubblegum Metallic Mist and then covered in mica flakes.

I painted the second layer of the ornament with off-white acrylic paint, ruffed up the edges a bit to add distressing and then ran it through my sewing machine.  I then finished it off with Iridescent Maya Glitter and adhered it to the base using Tombow Power Adhesive Tabs.  A Mega Bottle Cap came next and I filled it with Mini White Organza Roses Trim and attached two Vintage Wood Snowflakes that I had painted and distressed with ink.

I adhered Maya Road Pearl Cream Vintage Leaf Trinket Pins in between the chipboard layers and finished with vintage buttons and a layer of Cream Soft Vintage Scallop Lace Trim adhered to the backside of the ornament using the Tombow Permanent Adhesive Stamp Runner.   

My second ornament began with another Chipboard Snowflake Coaster painted with off-white acrylic paint.  I then used my Tombow Jelly Bean Dual Brush Pen to draw pink polka-dots randomly on the coaster.  I then ran it through my sewing machine, sanded the edges and coated it with mica flakes.

I used another Tombow pen from the Jelly Bean collection and tried a new to me technique, that of drawing directly onto the a bare Mini Scallop Chipboard frame and covering it in this color.  I then coated it with a layer of Iridescent Maya Glitter and just love how it turned out.  I'll be trying this again for sure.

I used the Tombow Permanent Adhesive Stamp Runner and adhered a strip of Seafoam Blue Tu-Tu Tulle to the backside of the scallop frame.  I adhered this layer to the base and started piling on my favorite things such as a Cream Velvet Pleat Blossom, a Chipboard Snowflake, a Skinny Wood Spool, a Vintage Button Stick Pin, gingham ribbon, and buttons.

This was such a fun swap to participate in.  I discovered some amazing new adhesives that have now become favorites and that pair so perfectly with my favorite Maya Road supplies.

Be sure to visit the Maya Road blog and participate in an amazing giveaway.  You can read the details on this post. 

 

Thanks for stopping by!

Melis

merry, bright, and whimsical...

Grab a chair and sit for just a bit while I share with you my Tips & Tricks project for Papertrey Ink.  I have wanted to create a felt Christmas tree for a couple of years now and decided now was the time.  I'll explain how and hope you'll create one for yourself!

I grabbed my Papertrey Ink felt in Aqua Mist, Vintage Cream, and Limeade Ice, the Buttoned Up #1, Framed Out #9, Tissue Paper Favors #1, Bloom Builders #1, Holly Jolly,  and Layered Postmarks:  Holiday dies, the Layered Postmarks:  Holiday, Button Up, and Framed Out #9 stamps, Pure Poppy Baker's Twine, and Aqua Mist, Sweet Blush, and Pure Poppy buttons plus a bit of vintage trim, pom pom trim, and trinket pins and I was set to get started.

I always like to try and incorporate a sentiment on most of my projects and thought a wreath would be a fun addition to my tree, so I used the Framed Out #9 stamp set and die and attached it near the bottom of my tree using a trinket pin from Maya Road.

A strand of die cut buttons and real buttons made for a colorful garland to wrap around my tree.  I love the many different patterns available in the Button Up stamp set.  And an over sized felt flower cut using the Bloom Builder #1 die was something I loved adding to bring in more softness and dimension.  This is one of my most favorite dies to use this time of year.

Trims always add a special, homespun, unique touch and finished my tree off just how I envisioned it.

A pink and white polka dotted paper straw worked perfectly as my tree trunk.  The straw fit right up inside the center of the tree and also fit perfectly down inside a wooden spool that I painted and distressed and then wrapped in a scrap of fabric.  It is embellished with Limeade Ice leaves cut using the Holly Jolly die and an Aqua Mist button.   The tree dangles freely from the straw, no filling or stuffing needed...easy as that!

Here's how I created this fun little item:

Step 1:

Cut Aqua Mist felt into a wedge.  I've got the pattern handy if you'd like to email me for it.

Step 2:

Form the wedge into a cone and adhere edges together down the backside of the cone.

Step 3:

Adhere a strip of coordinating pom pom trim around the inside edge of the base of the cone.

Step 4:

Using Limeade Ice felt and the Tissue Paper Favors #1 die, cut a second layer for your tree.  The felt isn't quite wide enough for this die, so just make sure to focus on getting all of the scallops to fit on your felt and the straight edges will take care of themselves as you wrap this layer around your cone.

Step 5:

Wrap the Limeade Ice felt layer around the base cone lining up edges on the back with those of the base.  You just want all of your edges hidden in the back nice and neat.

Step 6:

Die cut several different size buttons using the Buttoned Up #1 die, Rustic Cream cardstock, and patterned paper if desired.  I used Sweet Blush Gingham here along with Sweet Blush, Hawaiian Shores, Pure Poppy, Aqua Mist, and Limeade Ice ink.

Step 7:

Decorate your tree by creating a garland.  Just thread the die cut buttons and actual buttons onto a strand of Pure Poppy Baker's Twine and then wrap the button garland twice around the tree.  Leave the ends of the Baker's Twine long enough to secure in a bow on the backside of the tree.

Step 8:

Cut a flower from Vintage Cream felt using the Bloom Builders #1 die and embellish the center with a Pure Poppy button.  Adhere near the top of the tree, slightly off center.

Step 9:

Die cut leaves for the flower using Rustic Cream cardstock and the Layered Postmarks:  Holiday die.  Stamp the leaves using Limeade Ice and the Layered Postmarks:  Holiday stamp set and adhere beneath the flower petals.

Finish by adding buttons, trim, and adhesive pearls. 

You must try one for yourself!

Thanks for visiting!

Melis

 

sweet silent night...

One of my favorite symbols of Christmas is the star and today I've created a gift box celebrating this meaningful symbol.  My favorite Christmas song is Silent Night and I was thinking of the amazing gift given to us, our Savior Jesus Christ, as I created this.  I can't sing this song without getting teary as I picture the Savior as a beautiful baby, sent to us because of love, His mother Mary and the amazing tenderness I feel for her, and the miracles surrounding this season and each day of our lives because of our Savior.  The true meaning of Christmas for me, is love, giving, and hope.

Buttons and glitter are two things I love combining.  Buttons have a way of always being the perfect, added touch, but with glitter on top, they are even more irresistible and fun to use. I covered a paper mache star-shaped box in Krylon Celery acrylic paint, vintage trim, cream and white buttons, tea-stained twill, a glittered silver jingle bell, tea-stained tag, and Melissa Frances trim and flowers.

The stamp used on the tag is from Papertrey Ink's Signature Christmas set.

Wishing you a wonderful Christmas season!

Melis

Christmas crafting...

Christmas is one of my very most favorite times of year to craft for....followed very closely by Valentine's Day :)  Today I have a quick and easy gift wrap idea using just a few supplies.   

I created a trio of pillow boxes using Core'dinations Cardstock as my base and cut using Papertrey Ink's Pillow Box die.  

Each is wrapped in paper from Simple Stories Handmade Holiday collection and embellished with Handmade Holiday stickers, Maya Road trinket pins, and Papertrey Ink ribbon.  

They're ready in a hurry and make such special little gift containers.  

You can find more holiday projects using Simple Stories and Core'dinations products on the Simple Stories blog.

Another fun craft to make this time of year is a countdown calendar.  I created this countdown for Frost it Pink and it comes in a kit with supplies and instructions plus extras.  There are a few left HERE.  

This kit is full of Maya Road products such as the crocheted doilies, beaded flower, millinery flowers, wooden yardsticks, etc.  

Also included is some of my tea-stained twill tape and felt cut holly leaves...such a fun kit to put together and will most definitely get you in the mood for Christmas.

And if you're in the card-making mood, you can find a card kit available in the Melissa Frances etsy shop.  I designed 10 holiday cards for this kit which comes with instructions and plenty of supplies.  Here are just a few samples:

You can find the kit and more details HERE.

 

Enjoy your day!

Melis

winter frills...

It's Sunday night and all is quiet and everyone under my roof is safe and sound and loved and cared for.  It's been such a wonderful day!

I just have a minute but have a project to share with you created for Emma's Paperie.  We were challenged as design team members to create projects incorporating wood grain.  I used paper from Basic Grey's Aspen Frost collection that reminds me of my very most favorite tree, the aspen, and have found that this paper is going in my all-time favorite file.

I also used embellishments and accents from Melissa Frances such as the pink zipper trim, the darling broach, and the pink pouf tulle trim.

I pulled out my Lifestyle Crafts Letterpress and used them to embellish these craft tags just a bit and have tucked a few inside the Joy pocket.  This is such a fun tool to use...a good little item to add to your Christmas wish list.  I'm excited to get more use out of it and experiment a bit.  

All of the supplies used can be found HERE at Emma's Paperie.

I decided to make a Christmas crafting kit out of this and have added some glittered tags from Cavallini and Co., trim, tea stained fabric, tags, and other sparkly things just for fun.  

Feeling like it's time for Christmas sugar cookies and cinnamon rolls....Christmas is coming!

Night.

Melis

in the meadow revisited...

Hello December!  So happy to start celebrating this most wonderful time of year.  Today the Papertrey ink Sr. Design Team members are revisiting the In the Meadow stamp set...it's a beauty and one I just love.  My first card uses this set and coordinating dies to create a Christmas card, the second card is more of a winter card, just to show the versatility of this set.

I pulled out my vellum for both of these cards as vellum lends itself so well to this winter-y, white time of year.  For this first card I used Kraft cardstock as my base and stamped snowflakes and the snowman from the In the Meadow stamp set directly onto the base using watermark ink.  I then embossed the images using Winter Wonderland embossing powder from Stampendous.  The sentiment on this card is from the Peaceful Pinecones stamp set.  

I then cut a piece of vellum to fit the front of my card and embossed it using the Peace Be Still Impression plate.  I stitched the bottom and sides to secure it to the card but left the top un-stitched so I could add some mica flakes behind the vellum to create a shaker card of sorts and add more softness.  Then I stitched up the top and layered on the toppings including a vellum  and cardstock die cut tree from the In the Meadow Silhouettes die collection.  I stamped sentiments from the In the Meadow stamp set using Classic Kraft ink across the front of the die cut tree and then layered on the vellum bending up the sides slightly to give it dimension.  I then used pattern paper and the Holly Jolly die to bring in color and more dimension on the tree.  It's finished off with a Pure Poppy button, button twine, and vintage trim.

This card uses more soft neutrals and vellum to create a wintertime scene.  My focal point here being the deer cut from the In the Meadow Silhouettes die collection using cork....such a fun element to use.  

I began with Rustic Cream cardstock as my base and added Soft Stone Polka Dot paper layered with vellum stamped with watermark ink and embossed using the same embossing powder as in the card above.

The sentiment is from the In the Meadow stamp set and is stamped in Soft Stone ink.  I used scrunched seam binding in a pale aqua to finish it off.  

The other Sr. Team members have projects ready to share with you as well:

Betsy Veldman

Dawn McVey

Heather Nichols

Maile Belles

 

Thanks so much for stopping by!
Melis 

holiday home...

Just popping in...my hands are busy, life is full, craft room a mess, getting colder outside, but is cozy, warm, and Christmas-y inside.  Love this time of year.

I've been busy with Christmas projects and have a few to share with you today.  I have so much fun creating these cottages and trimming them with glitter, buttons, and all of the things I love.

Also, I have a Freckled Fawn blog post up today on the I am Doe blog showing a few more of my Christmas Countdown tags and pockets.

You can see more photos and read more of my ramblings there.

Need to get back to work.  Thanks for visiting!
Melis 

winter wonder...

I love this cozy time of year, even though there's not a speck of snow, the sun is shining brightly, no clouds in the sky, and the grass is still green.  I'm waiting for the snow to fall and for a fresh blanket of white to spread all around us.  Call me crazy, but I love glistening, powdery, crunchy, snow as it's something I grew up with, but not something that happens too often here.

This month, Freckled Fawn has the most beautiful, serene color challenge up on the blog....it's a favorite of mine and I was happy to get a chance to create something.  I used Freckled Fawn's White on Grey Lace washi tape, a Maya Road chipboard snowflake that I painted, sanded, and coated with glitter, a Maya Road vintage Raspberry Bead, a Martha Stewart Kraft tag, and Melissa Frances flowers.

I also used Papertrey Ink vellum to die cut an envelope using the Tiny Envelope die and a border across the bottom, combined with Kraft cardstock using the Heart Border die.  The sentiment was stamped using the 2009 Holiday Tag collection.   Paper is from My Mind's Eye and Basic Grey and the scrunched seam binding is from Paper Sweeties.  

 

I'm busy working on Christmas cottages today and will be back to show you photos as soon as I'm done.  

Also, Frost it Pink is having another sale.  Here's a note from Amy, the owner of Frost it Pink:  

"In honor of my daughters birthday I am running a sale Tuesday,November 27th!!!! 20% off of a 50.00 or more…..all you need to do is leave a comment about the birthday special and we will refund your paypal account with 20% of your order!!!"

 

 

Enjoy your day!

Melis

glisten...

Hi everyone!  I'm happy to be back at it again....but loved spending the Thanksgiving holiday with those I love.  My husband's smoked turkey was my favorite Thanksgiving treat along with Ashley's mashed potatoes...I think she puts sour cream in them...so heavenly, and also Granny's turkey gravy.  Those were the only things I needed...I'm a simple girl.  Tonight is family night and we'll spend the evening digging out the Christmas decorations and putting away all of my fall favorites for another year.

I can't tell you how much I am looking forward to sitting back and enjoying the Christmas season this year.  I've just about got all of my shopping done and am way ahead of myself for a change this year...it feels good and is leaving much more time to enjoy this magical time of year instead of rushing and stressing.

My card today is a remake of a recent card...something I love doing.  I used Papertrey Ink's In the Meadow stamp set and die along with a Maya Road altered wooden button, vintage buttons and trim, scrunched seam binding from My Craft Spot, Wide Green Candy Stripe washi tape from Freckled Fawn, and a vintage Santa badge from A Flair for Buttons.

Here is a peek at the original...

Before I go and since shopping until you drop is the name of the game, here are a few great deals for you:

Freckled Fawn is offering a 20% discount on your entire order!

And Frost it Pink is offering 10% off orders over $50.00.  You can read more about it here.

Emma's Paperie is having a great sale as well! 

 

Are any of you cyber shopping on this Cyber-Monday?  I stocked up on Bath and Body Works holiday hand soaps...one of my simple pleasures which I like to share with others, and also snagged me a few Yankee Candles....another simple pleasure :)

Happy Shopping and thanks for visiting!

Melis

 

retro holidays...

Shabby aqua is one of my most favorite colors to craft with.  It showed up in my fall project and I can't stop adding it to my winter themed projects either.  It's definitely a go-to color for me just about year round.

Today I have a couple of holiday cards to share with you using Retro Christmas vintage images from Crafty Secrets, scrunched seam binding from Craft Spot, Doodlebug glitter, Maya Road chipboard, Melissa Frances vellum pockets, and Papertrey Ink stamps.  

For this first card I used Papertrey Ink's Snowflake Medley, Winter Snow Globe, and Gingerbread Lane stamp sets.  I also used Freckled Fawn Wide Red on White Polka dot  washi.  

This card uses Freckled Fawn Gold Polka Dot on White washi tape and Papertrey Ink's Rustic Branches stamp set.  The paper used on both cards is from Basic Grey's Aspen Frost collection.  

Are you all ready for Thanksgiving?  I'm so excited.  This holiday has always been one of my most favorites.  I love the meaning of it, the relaxed nature, gathering together, and the traditions that are now just memories as with time, things change.  But, the memories are always there and so dear.

I'm looking for a new cheeseball recipe to try.  That's one of my assignments....that and smoking a turkey, which I'm slightly nervous about.  We've never smoked a turkey before, but my husband is all about using his beloved smoker and showing off his pit master skills this Thanksgiving.  I'd love for you to share your favorite cheeseball recipe with me if you'd like! Please and thanks :)

Enjoy your day!

Melis 

glitter and vellum...

Two things I love, mixed together for the holidays.

I have a new Make it Monday ready for you on the Papertrey Ink blog.  I'll walk you through making these fun holiday tags just in time for Christmas.  

 

Happy Monday and thanks for visiting!
Melis

 

Merry Christmas Mitten Tags

Supplies Used:

Stamps:
Candy Cane Christmas, Background Basics:  Inspiration

Ink:
Aqua Mist, Pure Poppy, and Sweet Blush

Cardstock and Paper:
Vellum, White cardstock, Sweet Blush Bitty Dot and Polka Dot, Aqua Mist Stripe 

Tools:
Snowflake Medley, Shape Up Series:  Mitten, Small Scalloped Border, Candy Cane Christmas, and Holly Jolly dies, Inspiration Impression Plate

Accents:
Sweet Blush buttons, Pure Poppy Baker's Twine, Vintage Cream felt 

midnight snack please...

Is it just me or does fall and the onset of cooler temperatures, shorter days, and being bundled inside by the fire bring on a change of eating habits as well?  Major fall munchies going on here lately.  I will share my newest love at the end of this post.  They are best at  midnight or after the rest of those in your home have gone to bed so you can eat just one more maybe more than once.  I think you'll love them just as much as I do...and I'm kind of sorry, but kind of not :)

I have a few fall projects to share with you before Christmas comes screaming around the corner.  These were all creating for Emma's Paperie.  This first card set uses  a collection from Farm House Paper Company....it's an adorable, adorable, warm, and cozy collection that I love, but I love anything with a name like Farm House Paper Co.

All of the supplies used on these cards can be found HERE at Emma's Paperie.

This card was created as well for Emma's Paperie and is based on a color combination found there.  Pumpkin orange and dirty aqua....ahhhhh.  Love these colors together.

Tiny vellum envelope from Basic Grey.  

Chipboard button and tulle.  Just for fun.  All of the supplies used on this card can be found HERE at Emma's Paperie.  

And, in other news, Emma's Paperie is having a Thanksgiving giveaway that you don't want to miss.  Find out the details HERE and good luck!

 

Before I go, my newest favorite midnight snack obsession:
Rocky Mountain Avalanche Bars from Love and Olive Oil.

It's the white chocolate/peanut butter combination....didn't know I could love something so much :)

Enjoy!

Melis 

 

counting down to Christmas...

I mentioned a few posts ago that I was working on a Christmas Card Kit for Melissa Frances.  I've got it ready and can share it with you now. The kit contains supplies and instructions to make 10 holiday cards using Melissa's new Countdown to Christmas line, sweet chenille candy canes, beautiful trims, scrunched seam binding, adhesive pearls, chipboard, tags, vintage dies, etc.  

I've posted a few of the cards for you here to give you an idea of what you'll be making.  These cards come together so easily and just in time for Christmas.  They are simple enough to make in one afternoon, but filled with the sweetest supplies and embellishments to make them special and unique.

A package of the new Melissa Frances Christmas Character dies is included in the kit....one of my favorite features with vintage and retro images, banners, etc.  

The kit comes with plenty of left over supplies to keep creating!  The Melissa Frances Christmas Card Kit can be purchased HERE.

Thanks for stopping by.

Melis

papertrey ink november...

Welcome back for our final day of reveals for 
Papertrey Ink!
I'm having issues with Typepad 
so I apologize for things not looking quite right.
For now, I have listed all of 
the supplies
used at the bottom of this post...
crossing my fingers 
you can at least read part 
of what I've written :).

This first card uses the new Hanging By a Thread, 
Sew Simple Borders, 
and Handle with Care stamp sets.



The stamp sets used on this card are 
Button Up and Framed Out #10.


This card uses the new Sentiment Signs and
Button Up stamp sets.


Introducing the new Background Basics:  Inspiration,
Think Big Favorites #22, Heart-2-Heart #10,
and Sew Simple Borders.


Sweet new Comfort Food stamp set along 
with a bit of Stitched Sentiments.


And lastly, the festive new Party Poppers set.


Once again, I apologize for Typepad misbehaving.
Here are links for you to enjoy showing more
of these new sets!


Dawn McVey
Betsy Veldman
Ashley Cannon Newell
Maile Belles
Jessica Witty
Danielle Flanders
Cristina Kowalczyk
Erin Lincoln
Debbie Olson
Thanks so much for your 
sweet comments and visits!
Melis



Made with Love Card
Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:
Stamps:
Hanging By a Thread, Button Up, 
Sew Simple Borders, Handle with Care
Ink:
Classic Kraft, Sweet Blush, Aqua Mist
Cardstock:
Fine Linen, Classic Kraft
Tools:
Buttoned Up #1, Thread Cards, Tiny Tags
Accents:
Sweet Blush and Fine Linen buttons

Other Supplies Used:
Basic Grey and Jenni Bowlin paper
Tea stained twill
Maya Road trinket pin
Loving You Always Card
Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:
Stamps:
Framed Out #10 and Button Up
Ink:
Winter Wisteria, Classic Kraft, Melon Berry,
Berry Sorbet, Summer Sunrise, Aqua Mist, 
and Sweet Blush
Cardstock and Paper:
Classic Kraft, Fine Linen, Melon Berry Polka Dot, 
and Fine Linen Bitty Dot
Tools:
Cover Plate: Circles Die, Heart Prints,
 and Framed Out #10 dies
Accents:
Vintage Cream felt and button, 
Winter Wisteria Saddle Stitch
Smile Card
Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:
Stamps:
Sentiment Signs and Button Up
Ink:
Autumn Rose and Scarlet Jewel
Cardstock:
Vintage Cream and Sweet Blush
Tools:
Tag Sale #7, Buttoned Up #1, Heart Prints, 
Inspiration Impression Plate, and Framed Out #10 dies
Accents:
Scarlet Jewel buttons, Vintage Cream felt, 
and Harvest Gold Swiss Dot Satin

Other Supplies Used:
My Mind's Eye paper
Maya Road trinket pin
Just a Little Something Card
Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:
Stamps:
Heart-2-Heart #10, Think Big Favorites #22,
 Sew Simple Borders, and Background Basics: Inspiration
Ink:
Aqua Mist, Melon Berry, Soft Stone, 
Smokey Shadow, and Sweet Blush
Cardstock:
Vintage Cream
Tools:
Heart-2-Heart #10
Accents:
Vintage Cream buttons

Other Supplies Used:
Craft Spot scrunched seam binding
Melissa Frances adhesive pearls
My Mind's Eye paper
Feel Better! Card
Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:
Stamps:
Comfort Food and Stitched Sentiments
Ink:
Pure Poppy, Aqua Mist, Spring Rain,
 Ocean Tides, and Classic Kraft
Cardstock:
Kraft and Vintage Cream
Tools:
Comfort Food and Tag Sale #4 dies
Accents:
Pure Poppy Grosgrain and Fine Linen button

Other Supplies Used:
Melissa Frances paper and sticker
Happy Birthday Tag and Bag
Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:
Stamps:
Party Poppers
Ink:
Harvest Gold, Aqua Mist, Pure Poppy, Berry Sorbet
Cardstock and Paper:
Aqua Mist Stripe paper, Berry Sorbet, 
White, and Rustic Cream card stock
Tools:
Party Poppers, Mat Stack and Layerz Mat Stack #4,
 and Limitless Layers: Ovals 2 1/4" dies
Accents:
Lemon Tart button

Other Supplies Used:
Kaisercraft gems
Melissa Frances crepe paper trim

knit bits...

I'm back with more new stamp sets being released this month from Papertrey Ink.  All of the new release items will be available for purchase at 10PM EST on November 15th at Papertrey Ink.  Today's group post showcases the new Knit Bits and Purls of Wisdom stamp sets....both with the cozy, homespun feel I love. I created a card and tag set for the new baby using both of these stamp sets combined with the new Shape Up Series:  Sweater die.

I created the tag using the In Stitches die and stamped the sentiments and images using Classic Kraft, Hibiscus Burst, and Sweet Blush.  The flower at the bottom is from the Stitched Sentiments set showcased in my last post.

I attached the tag to a small glassine bag that fits right inside the Sweater card.  If I could knit, I would make a crocheted flower and create a sweet headband for the new baby....I can't knit, so for now, use your imagination :)

The card was cut using Fine Linen cardstock and the new Sweet Blush Polka Dot paper.  

I used a tiny baby sweater belonging to my little girl as my inspiration and noticed that on her sweater the cable only went part way up, so I used the Knit Bits stamp and Sweet Blush ink over the patterned paper to recreate her sweet, little sweater.  Vintage trim down the center as well as Sweet Blush and Vintage Cream buttons add more detail as well as a Vintage Cream felt heart cut using the Heart Prints die collection.

I stamped a sentiment from the Purls of Wisdom stamp set down the fold using Classic Kraft ink, hearts across the bottom from the Knit Bits stamp set using Hibiscus Burst ink, and secured the bundle together using Vintage Cream Saddle Stitch ribbon.  

I can't wait to see what the other girls have created to share with you:

• Dawn McVey
• Betsy Veldman
• Ashley Cannon Newell
• Maile Belles
• Jessica Witty
• Danielle Flanders
• Cristina Kowalczyk
• Erin Lincoln
• Nichole Heady

Thanks for stopping in!

Melis

 

Sweet New Baby Wishes Tag

Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:

Stamps:

Knit Bits, Purls of Wisdom, and Stitched Sentiments

Ink:
Classic Kraft, Sweet Blush, Spring Moss, and Hibiscus Burst

Tools:
In Stitches die collection

Accents:
Vintage Cream button, Button Twine

Other Supplies Used:
Vintage trim, Crepe paper trim from Melissa Frances, My Mind's Eye paper

 

Made with Love Sweater Card

Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:

Stamps:
Purls of Wisdom, Knit Bits

Ink:
Sweet Blush, Classic Kraft, and Hibiscus Burst

Cardstock and Paper:

Sweet Blush Polka Dot and Fine Linen Cardstock

Tools:

Shape Up Series:  Sweater, Heart Prints die collections

Accents:
Vintage Cream Saddle Stitch, Vintage Cream felt, Vintage Cream buttons, Sweet Blush buttons 

stitched sentiments...

Welcome to the first group post of the month for Papertrey Ink!  Today the team is introducing the new Stitched Sentiments stamp set and coordinating In Stitches dies. The products being released this month carry with them a theme that I am so excited about as I have always had a love for stitcheries, needlework, and creating cozy, homespun gifts.

This first card uses the new Stitched Sentiments stamp set and adorable coordinating In Stitches dies to bring it all together.  I wanted this card to be as life-like as possible so I stamped directly onto a tea-stained block of fabric I had using Ripe Avocado, Scarlet Jewel, and Dark Chocolate ink.  The embroidery hoop die was cut from Fine Linen cardstock and stamped in Fresh Snow and Dark Chocolate ink. You can also get a peek at another new stamp set and die being released this month, Hanging By a Thread and Thread Card dies.

The banner die from the In Stitches die collection is so much fun to use.  I love the dimension it adds.  I used Fine Linen cardstock here as well as Ripe Avocado ink.  Fine Linen Grosgrain, vintage trim, and wooden buttons were using as embellishments.

This card uses images from the stamp set without the coordinating dies just to show how versatile the stamp set can be.  

I used the needle from the set for my flower stems and stamped them in Soft Stone ink.  The leaves were added using Spring Moss ink.  The flowers were made up using the heart image and were stamped in Sweet Blush, Spring Moss, Aqua Mist, and Lavender Moon ink.  The scalloped edge across the bottom of my card was cut using the Edgers #2 die.  

The banner image from the stamp set was stamped directly into the card base using Sweet Blush ink with the sentiment stamped in Lavender Moon and Spring Moss.  The butterfly is from another new release set, the Heart-2-Heart stamp set and coordinating die.  The thread image from the Stitched Sentiments set was used to show the butterfly's path and was stamped in Soft Stone ink.  The scrunched seam binding is from My Craft Spot.

I created this tag to attach to a bundle of vintage trim I have on hand.  I thought it would make a fun gift for a crafty friend.  The embroidery hoop was stamped in Sweet Blush with the sentiments and images stamped in Classic Kraft, Spring Moss, and Sweet Blush.  The tag uses the beautiful vine image from the Stitched Sentiments set and is stamped in Classic Kraft and Fresh Snow.  The tag is another new release item called Tag Sale #7....love the pinked edge.

I used Sweet Blush and Vintage Cream buttons to embellish the hoop as well as flowers cut from Vintage Cream felt and embellished with adhesive pearls.

This card uses more fun images from the set in a slightly different way.  I stamped them onto a semi-patterned background, that of a postcard to dress it up a bit and make it unique.  I used Soft Stone, Sweet Blush, Ocean Tides, and Autumn Rose ink.  Once again you can catch a glimpse of the Hanging by a Thread stamp set.

Aqua Mist Saddle Stitch ribbon, vintage trim, and a Vintage Cream button were used as embellishments.

Lastly, this card uses the fun embroidery hoop die once again....you'll be seeing plenty of it along with those darling Stitched Sentiments.  The vine, sentiments, and images were stamped in Sweet Blush, Autumn Rose, and New Leaf ink.  

The trinket pins used on many of these projects are all from Maya Road.  

Across the bottom of the card you can see a bit of the new Sweet Blush Gingham paper....oh, so happy about this new color.  Autumn Rose Saddle Stitch ribbon and Vintage Cream buttons along with Autumn Rose cardstock cut using the Filligree Border die were using to finish off this card.

So, what do you think?  I hope you're as excited about this set as I am.  I love it!  The other design team members have projects using the Stitched Sentiments set waiting to be shared with you.

• Betsy Veldman
• Ashley Cannon Newell
• Jessica Witty
• Cristina Kowalczyk
• Erin Lincoln
• Nichole Heady

Thanks for visiting!
Melis

 

May Your Life Always be Blessed Card

Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:

Stamps:

Stitched Sentiments and Hanging by a Thread

Ink:

Fresh Snow, Dark Chocolate, Scarlet Jewel, Ripe Avocado, and Dark Chocolate

Cardstock:

Fine Linen

Tools:

In Stitches and Thread Cards dies

Accents:
Fine Linen grosgrain

Other Supplies used:

Carta Bella, Jillibean Soup, and Simple Stories paper, vintage trim, Maya Road trinket pin

 

You Always Make my Heart Smile Card

Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:

Stamps:

Stitched Sentiments and Heart-2-Heart #10

Ink:
Spring Moss, Aqua Mist, Sweet Blush, and Lavender Moon

Cardstock and Paper:
White cardstock, Sweet Blush Gingham and Bitty Dot paper

Tools:

Edgers #2, Heart-2-Heart #10 dies

Accents:
Vintage Cream buttons

Other Supplies Used:
My Craft Spot scrunched seam binding

 

For You Tag

Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:

Stamps:
Stitched Sentiments

Ink:

Classic Kraft, Fresh Snow, Sweet Blush, and Spring Moss

Cardstock:
Fine Linen and White

Tools:

Tag Sale #7, In Stitches dies

Accents:

Sweet Blush and Vintage Cream buttons, Vintage Cream felt

Other Supplies Used:

Maya Road trinket pin, My Craft Spot scrunched seam binding, adhesive pearls

 

You Bring Out the Best in Me Card

Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:

Stamps:
Stitched Sentiments and Hanging by a Thread

Ink:
Ocean Tides, Sweet Blush, Autumn Rose, and Soft Stone

Cardstock:
Sweet Blush and Fine Linen

Tools:
In Stitches die

Accents:
Aqua Mist Saddle Stitch ribbon and Vintage Cream button

Other Supplies Used:
My Mind's Eye paper, Jillibean Soup die, Maya Road wooden button, Krylon acrylic paint, vintage trim

 

Love Card

Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:

Stamps:

Stitched Sentiments

Ink:
Sweet Blush, Autumn Rose, Classic Kraft, and New Leaf

Cardstock and Paper:
White and Fine Linen cardstock, Sweet Blush Gingham paper

Tools:
In Stitches and Filigree Border dies

Accents:

Autumn Rose Saddle Stitch ribbon, Vintage Cream buttons

Other Supplies Used:

Maya Road trinket pin and glitter 

 

brilliant, wonderful, extraordinary...

Just a quick post this morning.  We woke up to a light layer of snow this morning which has automatically made this day AWESOME in the eyes of a little girl.  She's out on an adventure right now.

I'm busy working on Papertrey Ink new release projects and just finished up a Christmas card kit for Melissa Frances....more on that very soon, but have a fun card to share with you today.  The owl was stamped using one of my very most favorite Hero Art stamps.  The wood buttons are from Maya Road and have been painted and distressed to coordinate.  I colored her feathers with Copics and then added  a layer of glitter.  I also used Papertrey Ink's Background Basics:  Farm & Barn and Movers & Shakers Sentiments stamp sets.  

And...you know me and owls...here are a few just for fun:

(moonstitches)

(carolinejohannson)....I LOVE her.

And, some dessert on this winter-y Saturday:

 

Orange Carrot Cookies....mmmm....really, truly a delicious treat.  From Loriesmississippikitchen.  

 

Happy Saturday!

Melis

creative spaces...

Creative Spaces Vol. 2 is on the way and I am so happy to be a part of it all!  My craft space along with many others will be featured in this fun publication.

This pretty little issue will be available for purchase in just a few short weeks.  I can't wait to take a peek inside!  You can read more about it on the Creating Keepsakes blog and on the Paper Crafts Connections blog.  

I have a quick project up on the Emma's Paperie blog with step-by-steps included on how to make this pocket of tags.

I used plenty of Prima along with Melissa Frances ephemera and beautiful Glitz Designs supplies.  

Supplies and instructions can be found HERE on the Emma's Paperie blog.

Thanks for visiting!
Melis 

sweet land of liberty...

I'm off to the polls here in a bit.  Sierra decided this morning she didn't want to be left out, so her daddy and I will take her with us to vote.  I think it's important that she realizes how wonderful it is to have the right to vote.  What an exciting day!  Saying extra prayers for America today.

Freckled Fawn is having a fun Election Day event at I am Doe with a giveaway thrown in as well.  You can read more about it HERE....washi tapes up for grabs!

This card was created for the I am Doe blog and is based on a lovely, vibrant color combination.  I used several different washi tapes here including: Star Line, Freckled Fawn Woodgrain, Polka Dot with Heart, Pink Airmail, and Vintage Ticket Stub.     

The stamps are from Papertrey Ink and include 2011 Holiday Tags and Over, Under, Easy.  Scrunched seam binding is from My Craft Spot.  The "enjoy" sticker is from Heidi Swapp....I have loved her handwriting forever it seems.  I love these stickers.

It's a busy day today...my husband's birthday, election day, and I need to bake and cook and soak it all in.

Thanks for stopping by!
Melis 

 

ever so grateful...

Thank you.  I don't know quite what else to say as nothing seems adequate and my emotions are very near the surface as they always are when discussing parts of my heart that I keep tucked away.  So, thank you from the bottom of my thankful heart.  You will never know the power that your words have had on me and I will return to them over and over again when I am need of a little push, a bit of encouragement, and more courage.

Today I am thankful for my little bean who told me she was ready for Christmas music.  We're pretty selective as to what we listen to here in our family and she told me the reason she loves Christmas music is that it's all good.  You don't have to worry about bad words and it lifts you up and makes you happy.  (Her sweet words.)  I love her valiant, little spirit. So, today I'm listening to Christmas tunes, thinking of her while she's at school, and getting much accomplished. 

Both of my cards today uses the Leaf Prints die collection from Papertrey Ink along with the Autumn Acorns stamp set.  

The dimensional scarecrow and turkey are from American Crafts....one of my favorite fall finds this year.  I used paper from Simple Stories Harvest Lane, Grandma's Lima Bean Soup from Jillibean Soup, and My Mind's Eye.  

I used Freckled Fawn washi tape for my die cut leaves in the following prints:

Polka Dot With Heart Washi

Yellow Starburst Washi

Yellow Airmail Washi

The scrunched seam binding is from Craft Spot and it's time for me to order more in holiday colors!  

Thanks for visiting!

Melis

 

 

with a thankful heart...

I'm sitting here writing to you this morning with a heart so very full and so very thankful for all that I have been given by my Heavenly Father and the wonderful individuals He has placed in my life, including all of you.  I don't think I have ever been this nervous writing a blog post before though...my hands are shaking, my heart about to burst.

My sweet husband and I have been married for 13 years.  He is truly the best thing in the world to ever happen to me.  I am forever thankful for this gentle man who I have the privilege of loving and who loves me back.  We have experienced so much together....lots of good, so much happiness, many tender mercies, etc.  He's been there for me as we've experienced many heartbreaks together.  These things have made us so strong and looking back on these experiences, I am thankful for them because each has brought us closer to one another.  

Just a little over 9 years ago, the most beautiful, perfect, tiny angel was placed in our arms.  She is one of the miracles we have experienced together as she was brought into our lives through the amazing process of adoption.  Oh, how we love her....she is the light of our life!  We thank our Heavenly Father and her Birth Mother every day.  

I am excited and terrified to share with you all that we are embarking down the pathway of adoption again.  I feel this pull and tug at my heart to try again....that there is a little being out there who needs a home, and our hearts have so much more love to give.  A year ago, my husband and I had the opportunity to try IVF.  I was 100% certain it would work and just knew it was an answer to our prayers.   My arms miss the little 4 month old that would be here with me today.  It was devastating.  I must admit that this, without a doubt, has been the most difficult thing I have ever experienced in my life.  It has taken me a long time to overcome and I am still doing my best, but I'm certain there are others out there who can attest to the fact that this is something you never get over.  There are days I feel like a part of me was broken in this process....like a bird with a broken wing.  But, this experience has also taught me so much about myself, the depth of love my Heavenly Father has for me, and the experience has made me even more grateful for my dear husband and little girl.  I'm so thankful I have them.  I don't regret our IVF attempt...not for a minute.  It may be hard for some to understand....why go through all of that without a guarantee, to spend the money and have nothing in return, but my feeling is that I will try whatever I possibly can to bring a little life here to earth.  No regrets.  I know the tears and heartbreak will all be worth it someday, if not in this life, then in the next.  We all have trials and this is mine.  Sometimes I really stink about how I handle it...so sorry about that, but other times I am given a glimpse into eternity and understand completely.

So, as I share my heart and soul with you today, I simply ask for your thoughts and prayers as we begin the process of adoption.  I believe in miracles.  Some of you I have never met.  Some speak a different language and live in countries far away.  But, we all speak the language of love, so I know you will understand.  I love you dear friends and family.  

Melissa

 

P.S.  These sweet little cards were made for Emma's Paperie.  

 

P.P.S.  I love you Mom!   You are my angel mother and I thank you for being so patient with me.  For always knowing exactly what to say to me at the right time and for letting me cry on your shoulder whenever I need you.  I don't know how I got so lucky as to have you as mine.

mazel tov revisited...

Can you guess what today's Papertrey Ink Sr. Team Challenge is about?  I think it's wonderful learning more about other faiths and traditions, so the challenge to revisit the Mazel Tov and Additions stamp set was a great step for me.

I have to admit to being really worried when creating Jewish holiday cards...worried that I'll do something creatively that may offend someone unintentionally, like use the wrong colors for a particular holiday, the wrong combination of images or sentiments, etc.  So, I did a bit of research before creating both of these cards to make sure I wasn't off track in my thinking.  Traditionally it seems that most Hanukkah or Chanukah cards are created in a blue/white color scheme, but I found that this doesn't need to be the case, so for my first card, I created something bright and celebratory for Hanukkah.  I used the Mazel Tov and Mazel Tov Additions stamp sets along with the Menorah Medley die.  I used Papertrey Ink paper in assorted colors and cut 4 stars, layered them while turning them slightly to create dimension and then stitched over the top star so it would stand out.  The sentiment is stamped in Pure Poppy, the center star in Harvest Gold, and the other images in Aqua Mist.  I finished the card off with a strip of Fresh Snow grosgrain.

This second card uses a beautiful image from the Mazel Tov stamp set along with a sentiment that in my understanding is used to celebrate the New Year.  Both are stamped in Smokey Shadow.

The Tag Sale #5 die along with Limitless Layers 2 1/2" Die Collection, layered with Papertrey Ink patterned paper and topped off with red gems to bring in dimension.  Freckled Fawn Wide Red on White and Music Note washi tapes were also used on this card. Smokey Shadow Grosgrain was used to finish off the tag.

Thanks so much for stopping by.  The other Sr. Team members have projects using these sets to share with you as well:

Betsy Veldman

Dawn McVey

Heather Nichols

Maile Belles

 

Happy Hanukkah Card

Papertrey Ink Supplies used:

Stamps:
Mazel Tov and Mazel Tov Additions

Ink:
Harvest Gold, Aqua Mist, and Pure Poppy

Cardstock and Paper:

White Cardstock,  Pure Poppy Bitty Dot, Sweet Symphony, Summer Sunrise Damask

Accents:
Fresh Snow Grosgrain

Tools:
Menorah Medley

 

L'Shana Tova! Card 

Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:
Stamps:

Mazel Tov and Mazel Tov Additions

Ink:
Smokey Shadow

Cardstock and Paper:
White Cardstock, Pure Poppy Stripe and Summer Sunrise Damask

Accents:
Smokey Shadow Grosgrain

Tools:

Tag Sale #5 and Limitless Layers 2 1/2" Die Collections 

 

sn@p life...

This week on the Simple Stories blog, it's Sn@p week with many of the Simple Stories designers sharing their Sn@p albums.  Today it's my turn to share with you my album.  

I have been searching for a while now for that perfect something to help ease me into the overwhelming task of memory keeping the piles of photos I have accumulated and was so happy to hear about Sn@p Life from Simple Stories.  The system is easy with so many fun and coordinating elements to help make the process doable, not to mention how vibrant and playful the whole collection is.

My album today starts with my little girl's 2nd birthday and will document events in her 2nd year of life.

One of the many things I love about Sn@p Life is the Memorabilia pockets available in many different colors and sizes.  I'm a big fan of touch, feel, and explore when it comes to paper-crafting of any type, so for me pockets are a must.  

This pocket holds a tag where I've included my journaling about this photo.  I have to admit that my biggest obstacle in starting out is to learn to love and accept my own handwriting.  It's a little hard to get used to, but oh, so important!

I pulled out my die cut machine and dies to add simple embellishments here and there and placed them on top of the page protectors to bring in more of that dimension and touch-ability which I love.

I also mixed in the Year.o.graphy collection here and there as I feel it coordinates so perfectly with other elements in Sn@p Life.

Here's another Memorabilia Pocket on a larger scale...a perfect place for extra photos, ephemera, children's artwork, etc.

I had so much fun adding in washi tape from Freckled Fawn in certain spots as it adds just the right touch without it being too much.

As time goes on and I continue to fill pages I'll be sure to share them here on my blog.  I very much look forward to continuing on with this as it is something that has been missing from my life.

And, in order to make sure I keep going on my album, I figured it was best to keep all of my supplies out and organized in a way that made them easy to get to.  We all know how hard it is to wrap things up and tuck them away for another day...if you're like me, if my supplies are out of sight, then I tend to forget about them.  So, I've assembled a Sn@p Space for all of the supplies I am using on this album...always there and always ready!

Now I have no excuses plus all of this colorful goodness can't be ignored.

Two Peas in a Bucket has a wonderful selection of these supplies available HERE.    

Until next time!

Melis

 

P.S.  There are so many wonderful ideas on the Simple Stories blog showcasing other Sn@p albums.  You'll love checking them out.

grandma's lima bean soup...

Grandma's  Lima Bean Soup is DELICIOUS!  The Jillibean Soup variety of course.  This week Maya Road and Jillibean Soup are teaming up and craft swapping with a wonderful giveaway up for grabs as well.

This is my project created for the swap and is posted on the Maya Road blog today.  Be sure to visit HERE to find out more about the giveaway!

I love how Maya Road products mix so easily with other manufacturers.  Here is a list of all of the Maya Road goodies I used today:
 Kraft Notes and Envelopes, White Krafty Owls, White Time Flies Kraft Clocks, the Scallop Basic Album, Cream & Red Velvet Pleats, Mini Wood Clothes Pins, Vintage Button Stick Pins, Pink Vintage Tape Measure Trim, Saffron Yellow Twine Cording, Little Birdies Metal Vintage Trinkets , and Our Home Metal Vintage Trinkets.

 

If you want your own hearty serving of Grandma's Lima Bean Soup, Emma's Paperie has it in stock HERE....LOVE this fun collection as well as all of Jillibean Soup's products.  I'm pretty sure it has something to do with their papers and embellishments being named after food :)...I'm a simple girl.

On another note, I am just about done with Sierra's costume....can you guess what she's chosen to be this year?  Gonna be cute.  She helped me make the sweet, felt feathers using Papertrey Ink felt and leaf dies...we added some bling using sequins and attached the feathers to her skirt using ribbon.  It will be a fun day tomorrow.

Also, for all of my friends back east and to all of those affected by Hurricane Sandy, please know I am thinking of you and praying for your safety.  So sorry for all of those suffering from the damage caused.

Thanks for visiting!

Melis